U.S. patent number 10,502,588 [Application Number 15/429,422] was granted by the patent office on 2019-12-10 for magnetic position sensor.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Infineon Technologies AG. The grantee listed for this patent is Infineon Technologies AG. Invention is credited to Udo Ausserlechner.
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United States Patent |
10,502,588 |
Ausserlechner |
December 10, 2019 |
Magnetic position sensor
Abstract
A device includes a permanent magnetic material extending along
a path, a first magnetic angle sensor configured to output at least
a first signal and being positioned remotely from the material, and
a second magnetic angle sensor configured to output at least one
second signal and being positioned remotely from the material and
from the first magnetic angle sensor. Based on the at least one
first signal and the at least one second signal, a relative
positioning of the first magnetic angle sensor and the second
magnetic angle sensor with respect to the material in parallel to
the path is determined. The magnetization of the material has a
periodicity that varies along the path.
Inventors: |
Ausserlechner; Udo (Villach,
AT) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Infineon Technologies AG |
Neubiberg |
N/A |
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Infineon Technologies AG
(Neubiberg, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
59522558 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/429,422 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170241803 A1 |
Aug 24, 2017 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Feb 19, 2016 [DE] |
|
|
10 2016 102 978 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01D
5/2497 (20130101); G01D 5/14 (20130101); G01R
33/0005 (20130101); G01R 33/02 (20130101); G01D
5/2451 (20130101); G01B 7/02 (20130101); G01D
5/145 (20130101); G01B 7/003 (20130101); G01B
7/30 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01D
5/14 (20060101); G01D 5/245 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Ausserlechner, U. "Inaccuracies of Anisotropic Magneto-Resistance
Angle Sensors Due to Assembly Tolerances." Progress in
Electromagnetics Research B, vol. 40, 79-99, 2012. 21 pages. cited
by applicant .
Ausserlechner, Udo. "The Optimum Layout for Giant Magneto-Resistive
Angle Sensors." IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 10, No. 10, Oct. 2010.
12 pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Le; Son T
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Eschweiler & Potashnik, LLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device, comprising: a permanent magnetic material which
extends along a path and comprises a plurality of alternating
magnetic poles, a first magnetic angle sensor configured to output
at least one first signal, the first magnetic angle sensor being
positioned remotely from the permanent magnetic material, a second
magnetic angle sensor configured to output at least one second
signal, the second magnetic angle sensor being positioned remotely
from the permanent magnetic material and from the first magnetic
angle sensor, and an evaluation unit comprising hardware, software,
or a combination of hardware and software, wherein the evaluation
unit is configured to determine a relative positioning of the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor with
respect to the permanent magnetic material parallel to the path
based on the at least one first signal and the at least one second
signal, wherein a magnetization of the permanent magnetic material
has a periodicity which varies along the path according to
respective increases or decreases monotonically in sizes of the
plurality of alternating magnetic poles along the path.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein a polarity of the magnetization
changes between neighboring poles, and wherein an orientation of
the magnetization of the permanent magnetic material rotates within
at least one of the poles.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the periodicity monotonically
increases or decreases along the path for at least three
periods.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein a measure of a difference between
the orientation of a stray magnetic field of the magnetization of
the permanent magnetic material at the position of the first
magnetic angle sensor and the orientation of the stray magnetic
field of the magnetization at the position of the second magnetic
angle sensor has dependency on the relative positioning with
one-fold or two-fold ambiguity.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit is configured
to determine the relative positioning based on a difference between
the at least one first signal and the at least one second
signal.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the path is linear and wherein
the permanent magnetic material is positioned on a linear carrier
which extends in parallel to the path.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the path is circular, wherein the
permanent magnetic material is positioned close to the surface of a
cylindrical carrier, and wherein the first magnetic angle sensor
and the second magnetic angle sensor are respectively positioned
remotely from the surface of the cylindrical carrier in radial
direction.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the path is circular, wherein the
permanent magnetic material is positioned on a circular disk
carrier, and wherein the first magnetic angle sensor and the second
magnetic angle sensor are respectively positioned remotely from a
perimeter of the circular disk carrier in axial direction.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the path is circular, wherein the
permanent magnetic material is positioned on a carrier, wherein the
carrier is positioned rotatably with respect to the first magnetic
angle sensor and with respect to the second magnetic angle sensor
and around a rotational axis in order to vary the relative
positioning, and wherein the rotational axis is eccentrically
positioned with respect to a center point of the circular path.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the path is elliptical.
11. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a frame which is
formed as a static element of the device, and a carrier on which
the permanent magnetic material is positioned, wherein either the
first magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor,
or the carrier with the permanent magnetic material are coupled
fixedly to the frame.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic angle sensor
and the second magnetic angle sensor are movably positioned
parallel to a further path and with respect to the permanent
magnetic material, and wherein a distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor parallel
to the further path is larger than the minimum of the
periodicity.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein a ratio between the maximum of
the periodicity and the minimum of the periodicity lies within the
range of 1.05-3.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein a dimension of a first gap
perpendicular to the path and between the permanent magnetic
material and the first magnetic angle sensor, as well as a
dimension of a second gap perpendicular to the path and between the
permanent magnetic material and the second magnetic angle sensor
vary as a function of the relative positioning according to a
variation of the periodicity.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein a dimension of a first gap
perpendicular to the path and between the permanent magnetic
material and the first magnetic angle sensor has a first value at a
first relative positioning and has a second value at a second
relative positioning, the second value being larger than the first
value, wherein the first relative positioning corresponds to a
position of the first magnetic angle sensor neighboring to the
permanent magnetic material in an area of a first periodicity, and
wherein the second relative positioning corresponds to a position
of the first magnetic angle sensor neighboring to the permanent
magnetic material in an area of a second periodicity, the second
periodicity being larger than the first periodicity.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein a dimension of a first gap
perpendicular to the path and in between the permanent magnetic
material and the first magnetic angle sensor, as well as a
dimension of a second gap perpendicular to the path and in between
the permanent magnetic material and the second magnetic angle
sensor remain constant as a function of the relative
positioning.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein a dimension of a first gap
perpendicular to the path and between the permanent magnetic
material and the first magnetic angle sensor fulfills at least one
of the following criteria: in the range of an average of the
periodicity multiplied by 0.1-2; in the range of an average of the
periodicity multiplied by 0.2-1; and/or wherein a dimension of a
second gap perpendicular to the path and in between the permanent
magnetic material and the second magnetic angle sensor fulfills at
least one of the following criteria: in the range of an average of
the periodicity multiplied by 0.1-2; in the range of an average of
the periodicity multiplied by 0.2-1.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the magnetization of the
permanent magnetic material has North poles and South poles
arranged adjacent to each other along the path, and wherein an
orientation of the magnetization of the permanent magnetic material
has a component perpendicular to the path at the North poles and at
the South poles.
19. The device of claim 1, wherein an orientation of the
magnetization of the permanent magnetic material varies along the
path in a zig-zag shape.
20. The device of claim 1, wherein a component of the magnetization
of the permanent magnetic material which is perpendicular to the
path is described by a Halbach-shape as a function of the position
along the path.
21. The device of claim 1, wherein an orientation of the
magnetization of the permanent magnetic material varies step-wise
or continuously along the path.
22. The device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one
housing, wherein the first magnetic angle sensor and the second
magnetic angle sensor are positioned in the at least one
housing.
23. The device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one
substrate, wherein the first magnetic angle sensor and the second
magnetic angle sensor are positioned on the at least one
substrate.
24. A method, comprising: receiving at least one first signal from
a first magnetic angle sensor which is positioned remotely from a
permanent magnetic material, receiving at least one second signal
from a second magnetic angle sensor which is positioned remotely
from the permanent magnetic material and from the first magnetic
angle sensor, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
a path and comprises a plurality of alternating magnetic poles, and
based on the at least one first signal and on the at least one
second signal: determining a relative positioning of the first
magnetic angle sensor and of the second magnetic angle sensor with
respect to the permanent magnetic material parallel to the path,
wherein the magnetization of the permanent magnetic material has a
periodicity which varies along the path according to respective
increases or decreases monotonically in sizes of the plurality of
alternating magnetic poles along the path.
25. A method, comprising: moving a permanent magnetic material
along a path to a measurement position, the permanent magnetic
material extending along the path and comprising a plurality of
alternating magnetic poles, at least in the measurement position:
creating a stray magnetic field by the permanent magnetic material,
wherein the stray magnetic field varies along a further path with a
periodicity that varies along the further path according to
respective increases or decreases monotonically in sizes of the
plurality of alternating magnetic poles along the further path,
measuring a first observable which is indicative of a first angle
of the stray magnetic field at a first position along the further
path, measuring a second observable which is indicative of a second
angle of the stray magnetic field at a second position along the
further path, and determining the measurement position based on the
first observable and the second observable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to German Application number 10
2016 102 978.5 filed on Feb. 19, 2016, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD
Various embodiments relate to a device comprising a permanent
magnetic material, a first magnetic angle sensor, and a second
magnetic angle sensor. The magnetization of the material has a
periodicity which varies along a path. Various embodiments relate
to a respective method.
BACKGROUND
In various applications, it can be desirable to determine, by means
of a magnetic position sensor, a relative positioning between parts
that are relatively movable with respect to each other. An example
is a sensor in the field of gears or driveshafts. A respective
sensor can, e.g., be configured to determine the relative
positioning of a rotatable shaft. An example of such a technique is
known from, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,736,257 B2.
SUMMARY
Often, it can be desirable to determine the relative positioning of
two parts which are movable relatively to each other by means of a
magnetic position sensor at a high accuracy. In some applications,
it can be desirable, alternatively or additionally, to implement
corresponding devices with comparably small installation space
and/or at comparably low costs.
According to an example, a device comprises a permanent magnetic
material. The material extends along a path. The device also
comprises a first magnetic angle sensor. The first magnetic angle
sensor is configured to output at least one signal. The first
magnetic angle sensor is positioned remotely from the material. The
device also comprises a second magnetic angle sensor. The second
magnetic angle sensor is configured to output at least one second
signal. The second magnetic angle sensor is positioned remotely
from the material. The second magnetic angle sensor is also
positioned remotely from the first magnetic angle sensor. The
device also comprises an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is
configured to determine, based on the at least one first signal and
the at least one second signal, a relative positioning of the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor with
respect to the material parallel to the path. The magnetization of
the path has a periodicity which varies along the path.
According to an example, a method comprises receiving at least one
first signal from a first magnetic angle sensor. The first magnetic
angle sensor is positioned remotely from a permanent magnetic
material. The method also comprises receiving at least one second
signal from a second magnetic angle sensor. The second magnetic
angle sensor is positioned remotely from the material. The second
magnetic angle sensor is also positioned remotely from the first
magnetic angle sensor. The material extends along a path. The
method further comprises determining a relative positioning based
on the at least one first signal and the at least one second
signal. The relative positioning is defined between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor with
respect to the material and in parallel to the path. The
magnetization of the material has a periodicity which varies along
the path.
According to an example, a method comprises moving a permanent
magnetic material along a path to a measurement position. The
permanent magnetic material extends along the path. The method
further comprises, in the measurement position, creating a stray
magnetic field by the material. The stray magnetic field varies
with a periodicity along a further path. The method further
comprises measuring at least one observable which is indicative of
the angle of the stray magnetic field at a first position along the
further path. The method further comprises measuring at least one
second observable indicative of an angle of the stray magnetic
field at a second position along the further path. The method
further comprises determining the measurement position based on the
at least one first observable and the at least one second
observable.
Features described above and features to be described hereinafter
cannot only be used in the explicitly mentioned combinations, but
also in further combinations or isolated without departing from the
scope of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The properties, features and effects of the disclosure, as well as
the way how they are achieved will be explained in further detail
with respect to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a device according to various
embodiments, the device comprising a permanent magnetic material
extending along a linear path, a first magnetic angle sensor, and a
second magnetic angle sensor, the first and second magnetic angle
sensors being positioned remotely from each other and further
remotely from the material.
FIG. 1B schematically illustrates the stray magnetic field of the
device of FIG. 1A for various positions along a further path which
is orientated in parallel to the linear path.
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the magnetization of the
permanent magnetic material of the device of FIG. 1A, wherein the
orientation of the magnetization of the material rotates along the
path with a periodicity.
FIG. 2A illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
a circular path, wherein a rotational axis of a carrier on which
the material is positioned is eccentrically positioned with respect
to the center of the circular path.
FIG. 2B illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
a circular path, wherein the rotational axis of a carrier on which
the material is positioned is concentrically positioned with
respect to the center of the circular path.
FIG. 2C illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
an elliptical path.
FIG. 3A illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the magnetic material extends along a circular
path, wherein the material is positioned on a circular disk
carrier, wherein the first magnetic angle sensor and the second
magnetic angle sensor are respectively positioned remotely from a
perimeter of the circular disk carrier in an axial direction.
FIG. 3B illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
a circular path, wherein the material is positioned on a circular
disk carrier, wherein the first magnetic angle sensor and the
second magnetic angle sensor are respectively positioned remotely
from a perimeter of the circular disk carrier in an axial
direction.
FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
a circular path, wherein the material is positioned on a
cylindrical carrier, wherein the first magnetic field sensor and
the second magnetic field sensor are respectively positioned
remotely from the surface of the cylindrical carrier in radial
direction.
FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
a circular path.
FIG. 6 illustrates schematically the variation of the stray
magnetic field of the magnetization of the material along a further
path as a function of the relative positioning for the scenario of
FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a first signal of the first
magnetic angle sensor which is indicative of the angle of the stray
magnetic field of the magnetization of the material at the position
of the first magnetic angle sensor and a second signal of the
second magnetic angle sensor which is indicative of the angle of
the stray magnetic field of the magnetization of the material at
the position of the second magnetic angle sensor as a function of
the relative positioning for the scenario of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario of FIG.
5.
FIG. 10 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario of FIG.
5.
FIG. 11 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario of FIG.
5.
FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario FIG. 5.
FIG. 13 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario of FIG.
5.
FIG. 14 illustrates schematically the strength of variation of the
difference between the first signal and the second signal as a
function of the distance between the first magnetic angle sensor
and the second magnetic angle sensor for the scenario FIG. 5.
FIG. 15 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario of FIG. 5,
wherein the difference has a dependency on the relative positioning
which has a one-fold or two-fold ambiguity for different
ranges.
FIG. 16 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario FIG. 5,
wherein the difference has a dependency on the relative positioning
which has a two-fold ambiguitiy.
FIG. 17 illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments, wherein the permanent magnetic material extends along
a circular path.
FIG. 18 illustrates schematically a difference between the first
signal and the second signal for a given distance between the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor as a
function of the relative positioning for the scenario of FIG. 17,
wherein the difference has a dependency on the relative positioning
which has a one-fold ambiguity in a given range.
FIG. 19A illustrates schematically a device according to various
embodiments.
FIG. 19B illustrates schematically a housing and a plurality of
substrates on which the magnetic angle sensors are positioned.
FIG. 20 illustrates schematically the variation of the periodicity
of the magnetization of the material for various positions along
the path.
FIG. 21 illustrates schematically the variation of the dimensions
of a gap perpendicular to the path and between the material and the
magnetic angle sensors as a function of the periodicity.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method according to various
embodiments.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method according to various
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, the disclosure is explained using preferred
embodiments. The disclosure is explained with reference to the
drawings. In the Figures, the same reference numerals denote the
same or similar elements. The Figures are schematic representations
of various embodiments. Elements depicted in the figures are not
necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the illustrated elements are
depicted in the various Figures such that their function and
general purpose becomes apparent to the person skilled in the art.
Connections and couplings illustrated in the Figures between
functional units and elements can also be implemented as indirect
connections or couplings. A connection or coupling can be
implemented wireless or wired. Functional entities can be
implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and
software.
Various examples relate to techniques of determining a relative
positioning between, firstly, a first magnetic angle sensor and a
second magnetic angle sensor and, secondly, a permanent magnetic
material. Various examples relate to a corresponding device and a
corresponding method which can be used for implementing a magnetic
position sensor.
Techniques described herein for implementing a position sensor can
allow to determine a relative positioning between two parts at a
high accuracy. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that
the relative positioning is determined with a comparably low
hardware-complexity and/or software-complexity. Further, it is
possible that, alternatively or additionally, the relative
positioning is determined using comparably small building space. It
is also possible that capturing the relative positioning is robust
against external interfering magnetic fields.
It is possible to use different magnetic angle sensors, e.g.,
Hall-effect based or GMR-based (giant magnetoresistance), AMR-based
(anisotropic magnetoresistance) or TMR-based (tunnel
magnetoresistance) magnetic angle sensors. The magnetic angle
sensors can be respectively configured to output a signal which is
indicative of the angle of the magnetic field with respect to the
reference direction. The magnetic angle sensors can have a
sensitivity which is defined in a plane. It is also possible to use
magnetic angle sensors which have an out-of-playing sensitivity,
e.g., Hall-plates in connection with vertical-Hall-effect-based
sensors. Examples of magnetic angle sensors that can be used in
connection with the present disclosure are, e.g.: TLE5010 (year
2015) or TLE5012 (year 2015) of Infineon Technologies AG.
The magnetic angle sensors can have different relative positioning
with respect to each other. E.g., the magnetic angle sensors can
have sensitive planes which exhibit a well-defined orientation with
respect to each other. It would also be possible that the magnetic
angle sensors are oriented parallel with respect to each other or
enclose an angle with respect to each other.
The material extends along a path. Here, it is possible that in
various examples the first magnetic angle sensor and the second
magnetic angle sensor are positioned movable with respect to the
material. Thereby, a relative positioning between the magnetic
angle sensor and the material can be set. In particular, the
relative positioning can have a component parallel to the path.
Then, it is possible that the relative positioning parallel to the
path is determined.
E.g., it would be possible that the first magnetic angle sensor and
the second magnetic angle sensor are formed as static
devices/stators and that the material is positioned movably.
Alternatively, it would also be possible that the material is
formed as a static device/stator and that the first magnetic angle
sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor are positioned movably.
In various examples it is also possible that, both, the first
magnetic angle sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor, as well
as the material are positioned movably.
Various examples relate to techniques of determining the relative
positioning by measuring a stray magnetic field of the permanent
magnetic material. Here, it is possible to measure an angle and,
optionally, an amplitude of the stray magnetic field. Because of
this, it is possible in various examples to determine the relative
positioning contactless.
A respective device or a respective method can be employed in
various applications. Example applications comprise: determining a
rotation rate of a rotating shaft; determining a rotation angle of
a rotating shaft; determining the velocity of a movable part;
determining the position of a movable part. E.g., the techniques
described herein can be employed in the field of motor control of a
vehicle. It would also be possible that the techniques disclosed
herein are employed in the field of gear control of a vehicle. It
would also be possible that the techniques described herein are
employed in the field of traction control or wheels of a
vehicle.
Various embodiments rely on the specific configuration of the
orientation and/or amplitude of the magnetization of the material
along the path. By such a specific configuration of the
magnetization, it is possible that the respective stray magnetic
field encodes different relative positionings in the area of the
magnetic angle sensors with a one-fold or at least a two-fold
ambiguity. Thereby, it is possible to conclude on the relative
positioning in an accurate and simple manner.
In various examples, the magnetization of the material has a
spatial periodicity which varies along the path. I.e., the
magnetization can have an orientation which varies as a function of
the position along the path and/or can have an amplitude which
varies as a function of the position along the path. Thereby, the
orientation and/or amplitude can oscillate as a function of the
position along the path with the periodicity. By providing the
periodicity which varies along the path, a particularly accurate
encoding of the relative positioning in the region around the
magnetic angle sensors can be achieved by means of the stray
magnetic field.
Different permanent magnetic materials may be employed. The
material may form magnetic domains (multipole magnet). In an
example, a multipole-stripe can be used. E.g., the material may
comprise ferromagnetic compartments. The magnetization of the
material can be imprinted by appropriate magnetizing techniques.
For this, it is possible to bring a magnetic write head into the
vicinity of the material. By such magnetizing techniques, different
spatial dependencies of the magnetization can be implemented.
In various examples, techniques of determining the relative
positioning between the material and the first magnetic angle
sensor and the second magnetic angle sensor are described. By means
of the techniques described herein, a linear position sensor or a
rotational position sensor can be implemented.
FIG. 1A illustrates a device 100 which comprises a permanent
magnetic material 111. E.g., the permanent magnetic material 111
can be a multi-pole magnet. The multi-pole magnet can, e.g.,
comprise a plurality of magnetic domains 121-126 having alternating
polarity, e.g., can have North poles/South poles being oriented to
the top/bottom. I.e., the magnetization 112 of the material 111 can
vary along the path 181. In particular, the z-component 192 of the
magnetization 112 varies. In the example of FIG. 1A, in particular,
the orientation of the magnetization 112 rotates along the path 181
with the periodicity 115. The rotation can be step-wise or
continuos. The magnetic domains 121-126 extend along an extent of
the material 111, i.e., along a path 181 (in FIG. 1A along the
x-axis 191). The thickness of the material 111 perpendicular to the
path 181, i.e., along the y-axis 193 (perpendicular to the drawing
plane of FIG. 1A), can be constant or may vary as a function of
position along the path 181.
In the example of FIG. 1A, the material 111 is positioned on a
carrier 110. The carrier 110 can be, e.g., a thin steel band or a
metal foil. E.g., the carrier 110 may comprise ferromagnetic
material. Thereby, the field strength of the stray magnetic field
113 of the material 111 (in FIG. 1A only schematically illustrated
as an excerpt) can be amplified. In the example of FIG. 1A, the
carrier 110 is positioned at a lower side of the material 111.
FIG. 1A illustrates a measurement position. In the measurement
position, a part 193A is positioned at the upper side of the
material 111 offset by a gap 152. The part 193A comprises a first
magnetic angle sensor 101 and a second magnetic angle sensor 102.
The gap 152-1 between the material 111 and the first magnetic angle
sensor 101 and the gap 152-2 between the material 111 and the
second magnetic angle sensor 102 are also illustrated in FIG. 1A.
The gap 152-1, as well as the gap 152-2 are respectively defined
perpendicularly to the path 181, i.e., along the z-axis 192. From
FIG. 1A it can be seen that the first magnetic angle sensor 101 is
positioned remotely from the material 111 and further remotely from
the second magnetic angle sensor 102; likewise, the second magnetic
angle sensor 102 is positioned remotely from the material 111 and
further remotely from the first magnetic angle sensor 101. The
distance 151 between the first magnetic angle sensor 101 and the
second magnetic angle sensor 102 along the further path 182 is
illustrated in FIG. 1A.
The magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 are movable along a further
path 182. They are moveable relatively with respect to the material
111; in various examples it is possible that the material 111
and/or the part 193A, respectively the angle sensors 101, 102, are
formed as static devices. E.g., it would be possible that the
material 111 is movable along the path 181, i.e., along the x-axis
191. Hereinafter, in the various examples the direction of movement
is respectively denoted as axis 191. The magnetic angle sensors
101, 102 and the material 111 are positioned remotely from each
other along the axis 192. Thereby, a relative positioning 109
between the part 193A and the material 111 can be adjusted. In the
example of FIG. 1A, the path 181 and the path 182 are positioned
parallel with respect to each other; generally, the paths 181, 182
can enclose an angle with respect to each other. If the paths 181,
182 are parallel with respect to each other, the gaps 152, 152-1,
152-2 remain substantially constant for different relative
positionings 109.
Hereinafter, techniques are described which enable to determine the
relative positioning 109 between the part 193A, i.e., the magnetic
angle sensors 101, 102, and the material 111.
FIG. 1B illustrates aspects with respect to the stray magnetic
field 113 of the magnetization 112 of the material 111. In FIG. 1B,
components of the stray magnetic field 113 along the x-axis 191 (in
FIG. 1B denoted as BX) and a component of the stray magnetic field
113 along the z-axis 192 (in FIG. 1B denoted as BZ) are
respectively illustrated. These components of the stray magnetic
field 113 are illustrated for different dimensions of the gaps
151-1, 152-2 (full line and dashed line in FIG. 1B).
From FIG. 1B it is apparent that the respective components 191, 192
of the stray magnetic field 113 oscillate with a periodicity which
corresponds to the periodicity 115 with which the magnetization 111
oscillates between the various domains 121-129. For larger
(smaller) dimensions of the gaps 151-1, 151-2, more abrupt
(smoother) dependencies of the stray magnetic field 113 are
achieved.
In the scenario of FIG. 1B, the amplitude of the stray magnetic
field 113 is illustrated normalized. Typically, the amplitude of
the stray magnetic field 113 decreases for larger distances to the
material 111; i.e., the larger the dimension of the gaps 151,
152-1, 152-2, the smaller typically the amplitude. Additionally,
typically, for larger (smaller) periodicities 115, a larger
(smaller) amplitude of the stray magnetic field 113 is
obtained.
In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the magnetization 111 is illustrated
schematically. In particular, in these examples, sharply defined
domain walls are illustrated between adjacent domains 121-129. This
corresponds to a step-wise variation of the magnetization 112 of
the material along the path 181. In various examples, it is also
possible that the magnetization 112 of the material 111 varies
continuously along the path 181.
In FIG. 1C, aspects are illustrated with respect to the variation
of the magnetization 112 of the material 111 along the path 181. In
the example of FIG. 10, the orientation of the magnetization 112
rotates along the path 181 with the periodicity 115. The amplitude
of the magnetization 112 is substantially constant, respectively
equal to the saturation magnetization or the remanence
magnetization. E.g., the magnetization can be described by a
Halbach-shape. See, e.g., K. Halbach "Design of permanent multipole
magnets with oriented rare earth cobalt material" in Nuclear
Instruments and Methods, 169 (1980) 1-10.
The various aspects as described with respect to FIGS. 1B and 1C
can be used in the various disclosed examples to determine the
relative positioning 109. For this, e.g., the variation of the
magnetization 111 along the path 180 can be tailored by appropriate
magnetizing techniques such that the stray magnetic field 113
encodes the relative positioning 109 with a one-fold or two-fold
ambiguity. E.g., it would be possible that the variation of the
magnetization 111 is tailored along the path 181 such that a
difference of the stray magnetic field 113 between two different
points along the further path 182 encodes the relative positioning
109 with a one-fold or two-fold ambiguity.
Now referring again to FIG. 1A, it is apparent that the periodicity
115 in this example increases monotonically along the x-axis 191,
i.e., along the path 181. E.g., it would be possible that the
periodicity 115 monotonically increases between opposite ends of
the material 111. In further examples, it would be possible, e.g.,
that the periodicity 115, at least over a certain distance,
increases monotonically: e.g., it would be possible that the
periodicity 115 increases monotonically along the path 181 for at
least three periods, i.e., domains 121-129, preferably for at least
five periods, more preferably for at least eight periods.
E.g., the periodicity may be defined between two or more adjacent,
repetitive orientations and/or amplitudes of the magnetization.
Regarding the definition of the periodicity: it is noted that in
the strict mathematical sense, a period is only present for exact
repetitions of the functional dependency at an infinite number of
different offset positions such that: f(x+p)=f(x), wherein p
denotes the periodicity along the path. The path may extend an
x-direction. f denotes one or more components of the magnetization
vector or the material. If the periodicity varies along the
path--i.e., p=p(x)--this yields for the periodicity:
f(x+p(x))=f(x). In FIG. 1A, the thickness of the magnetic poles is
constant in z-direction and the width of the magnetic poles is
arbitrary in y-direction, i.e., constant or increasing or, in
general, varying. I.e., the geometry of the magnetic material in
the directions perpendicular to the path may not be considered as a
criterion for the periodicity.
Hereinafter, the functionality of the device 100 for determining
the relative positioning 109 is described. Here, the projection of
the stray magnetic field 113 into the XZ-plane is measured by the
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102; this projection is rotating in the
XZ-plane as a function of the position of the material 111 along
the path 181, respectively of the relative positioning 109. I.e., a
plot of the vector {BX, BZ} having an end which is fixed to the
origin of the (BX, BZ)--plane corresponds to movement of the tip of
this vector on a circle which is fixed to the origin. If the
position of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102, i.e., of the
sampling point, is moved--at constant dimensions of the gaps 152,
152-1, 152-2--along the further path 182, i.e., along the x-axis
191, towards the larger domains 121-126 (in FIG. 1A in positive
direction of the x-axis 191), the length of the vector increases
during rotation such that the tip of the vector {BX, BZ} moves on a
spiral. This effect occurs due to the larger amplitudes of the
stray magnetic field 113 at larger periodicities 115. For a
movement above a single North pole and to the neighboring adjacent
South pole, the vector rotates with respect to the origin in the
(BX, BZ)-plane by one full revolution. For seven subsequent North
poles/South poles, the vector rotates seven times with respect to
the origin, wherein the length of the vector increases
continuously; thereby, the tip of the vector moves along a
spiral-shaped path.
The angle between the {BX, BZ}-vector and a reference direction in
the (BX, BZ)-plane, e.g., the direction which is defined by {1, 0},
can be determined by means of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102.
Depending on the type of the magnetic angle sensor 101, 102, the
main surface, respectively the sensitive plane, of the magnetic
angle sensors 101, 102 is parallel to the XZ-plane.
If the periodicity 115 was not vary as a function of the position
along the path 181 (not depicted in FIG. 1A): in such a case, the
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 would detect linearly varying
angles if the part 193A is moved into different relative
positionings 109 along the path 182 and/or if the material 111 is
moved into different relative positionings 109 along the path 182.
Here, the angles detected by the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102
would show a constant difference. The difference would be given by
.delta.=360.degree. s./(2L) (1) wherein s denotes the distance 151
and L denotes the length of the various North poles and South poles
121-129.
In the scenario illustrated in FIG. 1A, however, the periodicity
115 varies monotonically as a function of the position along the
path 181. In such a case, the difference between the angles
measured by the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 varies accordingly
as a function of the relative positioning 109 .delta.=360.degree.
s./(L.sub.n+L.sub.m), (2) wherein L.sub.n and L.sub.m denote the
length of neighboring poles along the path which are closest to the
center of the two magnetic angle sensors 101, 102. I.e., the
difference of the angles measured by the two magnetic angle sensors
101, 102 has a dependency of one-fold ambiguity (i.e., being
unambigious and uniquely defined) on the relative positioning 109.
Thereby, the system 100 according to FIG. 1 can be operated as a
linear positioning sensor.
In the example of FIG. 1A, the path 181 is linear and the material
111 is positioned on a linear, elongated carrier 110 which extends
in parallel to the path 181. Other geometries of the path 181 are
possible.
In FIG. 2A aspects with respect to a circular path 181 are
illustrated. E.g., the material 181 could be positioned on a
cylindrical carrier in the example of FIG. 2A (in FIG. 2A, the
carrier is not illustrated). In the example of FIG. 2A, the device
100 implements a rotational sensor. In the example of FIG. 2A, for
this the material 111 (not illustrated in FIG. 2A) including the
carrier is rotated with respect to the rotational axis 119
(orientated perpendicularly to the drawing plane in FIG. 2A). In
the example of FIG. 2A, the rotational axis 119 is positioned
remotely from, respectively eccentrically with respect to the
center point of the circular path 181. Thereby, the dimensions of
the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 between the material 111, respectively
the path 181, and the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 vary as a
function of the relative positioning 109. E.g., it is possible that
the eccentricity of the rotational axis 119 is selected such that
the variation of the dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2
compensates for changes in the amplitude of the stray magnetic
field 113 at the position of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102
due to the varying periodicity 115. In other words, it is possible
that the dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 vary as a
function of the relative positioning 109 according to the variation
of the periodicity 115. Thereby, a variation in the amplitude of
the stray magnetic field 113 as a function of the relative
positioning 109 can be reduced; thereby, a particularly precise
determining of the relative positioning 109 may be facilitated.
In other examples, it is possible that the dimensions of the gaps
152, 152-1, 152-2 remain constant as a function of the relative
positioning 109. Such an example is illustrated with respect to
FIG. 2B (respectively with respect to FIG. 1A). In the example of
FIG. 2B, the rotational axis 119 is concentrically positioned with
respect to the center point of the circular path 181.
With respect to FIG. 2C, aspects with respect to a path 181 which
is elliptical are illustrated. In the example of FIG. 2C, the
rotational axis 119 is positioned at the center of the elliptical
path 181. In the example of FIG. 2C, the dimensions of the gaps
152, 152-1, 152-2 vary as a function of the relative positioning
109. It is also possible that the path is eikonal, wherein in such
a scenario the areas of maximum curvature show different curvature.
Elliptical and a eikonal paths may be combined with respect to
arbitrary positions of the rotational axis to thereby taylor an
appropriate variation of the distance/dimension of the gaps versus
rotational angle, such that the amplitude of the stray magnetic
field 113 is substantially constant for all relative positionings
109.
FIG. 3A illustrates aspects with respect to a circular disk carrier
110. In the example of FIG. 3A, the path 181 is circular. The
material 111 is positioned on a circular disk carrier 110. The
first magnetic angle sensor 101 and the second magnetic angle
sensor 102 are, respectively, positioned remotely from the
circumference of the circular disk carrier 110 in axial direction
192. In the example of FIG. 3A, the path 182 is not exactly
parallel to the path 181. In particular, in the example of FIG. 3A,
the further path 182 is linear while the path 181 is circular.
Nonetheless, the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 are arranged with
a distance 151 with respect to each other which has a component
parallel to the direction of movement, in the example of FIG. 3A
the azimuthal direction 191. In the example of FIG. 3A, the
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 may measure a rotational position
of the projection of the stray magnetic field 113 into a plane
which is parallel to the rotational axis and which is further
parallel to the path 182. Both magnetic angle sensors 101, 102
measure and out-of-plane angle with respect to the substrate of the
part 193A. E.g., such a scenario could be implemented by a
combination of Hall plates and Vertical-Hall-effect-based
sensors.
FIG. 3B generally relates to FIG. 3A, wherein in the example of
FIG. 3B the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 are rotated around a
rotation direction which is parallel to the further path 182 if
compared to the scenario of FIG. 3A and measure a projection of the
stray magnetic field 113 into a plane which is parallel to said
rotational axis and parallel to the path 182. Such a geometry may
be implemented by conventional magnetic angle sensors which have an
in-plane sensitivity. With reference to the part 193A, both
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 measure an in-plane angle.
FIG. 4 illustrates aspects with respect to a cylindrical carrier
110. In the example of FIG. 4, the material 111 is positioned close
to the surface of the carrier 110. The magnetic angle sensors 101,
102 are respectively positioned remotely from the material 111 in
radial direction 192. In the example of FIG. 4, the magnetic angle
sensors 101, 102 have a larger radial distance from the rotational
axis 119 if compared to the material 111 (different to the scenario
of FIGS. 3A and 3B). In the example of FIG. 4, the dimensions of
the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 are constant as a function of the
relative positioning 109. By appropriately shaping the carrier 110,
it would also be possible to implement a non-constant distance.
In the example of FIG. 4, the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 extend in
radial direction; differently, in the example of FIGS. 3A, 3B, the
gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 extend in axial direction.
Depending on the application, it is possible that one of the
scenarios of FIGS. 1, 3A, 3B or 4 is preferred. E.g., by
appropriately selecting the geometrical shape of the material, it
is possible to reduce the required building space. If the material
is positioned on a rotatably mounted shaft, the assembly according
to FIGS. 3A, 3B is more robust against radial airstream, while the
assembly according to FIG. 4 is more robust against axial
tolerances. "Robust" can refer to a situation in which, due to
tolerances, the measurement of the angular position shows
comparably small inaccuracies.
FIG. 5 illustrates aspects with respect to the magnetization 112 of
the material 111 which extends along a circular path 181. In the
example of FIG. 5, a cross-section through the material 111 in the
plane of the axes 191, 192 is illustrated. FIG. 2, thus,
illustrates a view in axial direction onto the assembly of FIG. 4.
In FIG. 5, the rotational axis 119 is also illustrated; the
rotational axis 119 is oriented perpendicular to the drawing plane.
For sake of simplicity, in FIG. 5 only the first magnetic angle
sensor 101 is illustrated; the second magnetic angle sensor 102 is
not illustrated.
In the example of FIG. 5, the material 111 shows the following
dimensions: inner diameter 25 mm; outer diameter 22 mm; remanence
magnetic field strength 500 mT; direction of the magnetization of
poles 121-129 oriented radially inwards or radially outwards,
respectively; size of the pole 121 17.degree.; size of the pole 122
17.6085.degree.; size of the pole 123 18.2387.degree.; size of the
pole 124 18.8915.degree.; size of the pole 125 19.5676.degree.;
size of the pole 126 20.268.degree.; size of the pole 127
21.7448.degree.; size of the pole 128 22.523.degree.; size of the
pole 129 23.3282.degree.; the size of the subsequent poles
decreases correspondingly.
A rotational angle Phi is defined. The angle Phi corresponds to a
given relative positioning 109. In the measurement position as
illustrated in FIG. 5, the first magnetic angle sensor is arranged
at the position X=14.5 mm and Y=0 mm, i.e., at the rotational
position Phi=0.degree.. The sensitive point of the first magnetic
angle sensor 101 is, therefore, positioned remotely from the
material 111 by 2 mm, which corresponds to the gap 152-1. In a
second measurement position of FIG. 5, the first magnetic angle
sensor 101 is arranged at the angle Phi=60.degree.; the distance
also amounts to 2 mm which corresponds to the gap 152-1. Because of
this, the paths 181, 182 are parallel to each other.
The magnetic angle sensor 101 detects a signal which is indicative
for the angle Phil' between the radial and azimuthal component of
the stray magnetic field 113 (BR, BPsi) such that: Phi1'=arctan
2(BR,BPsi). (3)
The relative positioning 109, Phi--e.g., defined with respect to
the first sensor 101--is determined based on the angle Phi1'. In a
simple scenario: Phi=Phi1'. It is also possible that Phi is a
function of Phi', i.e., Phi=f (Phi1').
E.g., Phi may be a function of the measurement values of both
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102, i.e., Phi=f(Phi1', Phi2'). (4)
In particular, the relative positioning 109, Phi may be determined
as a function of the difference between the measurement values:
Phi=f(Phi1'-Phi2'). (5)
E.g., a numerical or analytical calculation can be performed or a
lookup table may be used. In the lookup table, it is possible that
for different values of Phi', respectively, a single value of Phi
is stored. It is also possible that a combination of a lookup table
and a calculation is used; such a case can be in particularly
feasible where systematic differences are present.
A magnetic angle sensor can output the angle of the stray magnetic
field 0-360.degree. as a signal. E.g., an evaluation unit can
subtract two angles and correct a 360.degree.--overflow. A magnetic
angle sensor can perform calculations. E.g., based on a plurality
of measurement values, e.g., sine+cosine, the angle can be
calculated; e.g., based on arc tan. In further examples it is
possible that the magnetic angle sensor outputs sine- and
cosine-signal pairs and an evaluation unit uses these signals for
further calculation. If the signal pairs (C1, S1) and (C2, S2)
correspond to sine/cosine of two magnetic angle sensors, the angle
difference can be calculated as follows, without difficulties
relating to overflow: arc sin (Cl*S2-C2*S1). A small angle
approximation may be used.
FIG. 6 illustrates the component of the stray magnetic field 113
along the path 182 for various relative positionings 109.
From FIG. 6 it is apparent that the components of the stray
magnetic field 113 are both sine-shaped and have comparable
amplitudes. From FIG. 6 it is further apparent that the two
components of the stray magnetic field 113 show a phase shift of
90.degree.. From FIG. 6 it is also apparent that the amplitude of
the stray magnetic field 113 varies as a function of position along
the further path 182. The amplitude approaches a minimum in the
range of Phi=270.degree. (marked by a vertical arrow), because the
smallest pole 121, respectively the shortest periodicity 115, is
positioned there. In the range of Phi=90.degree. the components of
the stray magnetic field 113 have the largest amplitudes (marked by
a vertical arrow), because the largest pole 129, respectively the
largest periodicity 115, is positioned there.
In the example of FIG. 7, the first signal 201 of the first
magnetic angle sensor 101 (continuous line) and the second signal
202 of the second magnetic angle sensor 102 (dashed line) are
illustrated for different relative positionings 109. The magnetic
angle sensors 101, 102 measure an orientation of the stray magnetic
field 113; because of this, the variation of the amplitude of the
stray magnetic field 113, in first approximation, is not
relevant.
The example of FIG. 7 is based on the material 111 of FIG. 5; in
the example of FIG. 7, the first magnetic angle sensor 101 is
positioned at Phi=-20.5.degree. and the second magnetic angle
sensor 102 is positioned at Phi=+20.5.degree.. Because of this, the
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 in the example of FIG. 7 have a
distance 151 of delta-Phim of 41.degree. with respect to each
other. The first magnetic angle sensor 101 detects
Phi1'=arctan2(BR, Bpsi) and a second magnetic angle sensor 102
detects Phi2'=arctan2(BR, Bpsi), respectively, at the corresponding
positions. Different relative positionings 109 in FIG. 7 relate to
a rotation of the material 111 around the rotational axis 119
and/or to a rotation of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 around
the rotational axis 119.
From FIG. 7 it is apparent that two magnetic angle sensors 101, 102
detect equal values close to the relative positioning 109 for
Phi=0.degree. and Phi=180.degree., while the second magnetic angle
sensor 102 precedes the first magnetic angle sensor 101 close to
the relative positioning 109 at Phi=90.degree. and lags behind the
first magnetic angle sensor 101 close to the relative positioning
109 at Phi=270.degree..
FIG. 8 illustrates the difference 203 of the first signal 201 and
of the second signal 202 of FIG. 7 (full line), i.e., Phi1'-Phi2'.
From FIG. 8 it is apparent that the difference 203 almost shows a
triangular shape, wherein higher frequency oscillation are
superimposed. These oscillations are due to deviations of the
dependency of the components of the stray magnetic field 113 from a
perfect sinusoidal shape due to the finite dimension of the gaps
152, 152-1, 152-2 (cf. FIG. 1B). Typically, magnetic multipole
stripes having homogeneous magnetization in all domains and
alternating signs of the magnetization in neighboring domains,
i.e., magnetic multipole stripes having a rectangularly formed
spatial dependency of the magnetization, create perfectly harmonic
stray magnetic fields only at large distances to the material. At
smaller distances, no clean sinusoidal dependency of the stray
magnetic field component as a function of the position is achieved,
as illustrated in FIG. 1B. In the example of FIGS. 5 and 8, the
dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 in the area of the largest
domain 129 are smaller than half of the dimension of said domain
129. From this, deviations from the clean sinusoidal dependencies
result and the wavy curve according to FIG. 8 is obtained.
In FIG. 8, also the difference signal 203 is illustrated for larger
dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 of 3.5 mm (dashed line).
The distance 151 between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 still
remains at 41.degree.. Due to the larger dimension of the gaps 152,
152-1, 152-2, smaller amplitudes between 15.6 mT and 28.2 mT are
measured, depending on the relative positioning 109. Due to the
larger gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2, the difference signal 203 shows a
smoother variation. Thereby, an error in determining the relative
positioning 109 may be reduced.
A further approach to reduce the waviness of the difference signal
203 is to use a smooth dependency of the magnetization 112 on the
position along the path 181 (magnetization pattern). E.g., instead
of employing a rectangular magnetization as a function of the
position along the path 181, a Halbach-magnetization can be used.
The Halbach-magnetization is given by the following equation:
{right arrow over (M)}=M.sub.s cos(p.sub.3.psi.){right arrow over
(n)}.sub.R+M.sub.s sin(p.sub.3.psi.){right arrow over
(n)}.sub..psi.=M.sub.s cos((p.sub.3+1){right arrow over
(n)}.sub.x=M.sub.s sin((p.sub.3+1).psi.){right arrow over
(n)}.sub.y (6) wherein M denotes the magnetization 112, M.sub.s the
saturation magnetization, p.sub.3 the number of pole pairs, and
(R,.psi.) denotes the radial and azimuthal position. {right arrow
over (n)}.sub.R, {right arrow over (n)}.sub..psi. are unity vectors
in radial direction and azimuthal direction. {right arrow over
(n)}.sub.x, {right arrow over (n)}.sub.y are normal vectors in x,y
direction of a Cartesian coordinate system which has its center
statically at the rotational axis 119, the rotational axis 199
being also the symmetry axis. If p.sub.3 has a constant value, all
poles 121-129 are of the same size. If p.sub.3 shows a dependency
of .psi., the dimensions of the poles 121-129 vary along the
azimuthal direction. E.g., p.sub.3 could monotonically increase in
the range of -90.degree.<.psi.<90.degree. and monotonically
decrease in the range of 90.degree.<.psi.<270.degree. to
obtain the poles having sizes according to FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 illustrates the difference signal 203 for a distance 151
between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 amounting to
180.degree. and for dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 of 2
mm (full line) and 3.5 mm (dashed line).
FIG. 10 illustrates the difference signal 203 for a distance 151
between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 amounting 90.degree.
and for dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 of 2 mm (full
line) and 3.5 mm (dashed line).
FIG. 11 illustrates the difference signal 203 for a distance 151
between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 amounting 20.degree.
and for dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 of 2 mm (full
line) and 3.5 mm (dashed line).
FIG. 12 illustrates the difference signal 203 for a distance 151
between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 amounting 10.degree.
and for dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 of 2 mm (full
line) and 3.5 mm (dashed line).
FIG. 13 illustrates the difference signal 203 for a distance 151
between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 amounting 5.degree. and
for a dimension of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 of 2 mm (full line)
and 3.5 mm (dashed line).
From a comparison of FIGS. 9-13, it is apparent that the waviness
varies. For comparably small distances 151, e.g., smaller than
15.degree. (cf. FIGS. 12, 13), large superimposed oscillations are
also observed at comparably large dimensions of the gaps 152,
152-1, 152-2. Because of this, it may be preferable that the
distance 151 between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 parallel
to the further path 182 is larger than a minimum of the periodicity
115. Here, a projection of the distance 151 between the magnetic
angle sensors 101, 102 onto the path 181 can be considered.
Preferably, the distance 115 is at least twice or at least four
times as large. Thereby, the waviness can be reduced; thereby, an
error in the determining of the relative positioning 109 can be
reduced.
FIG. 14 illustrates the strength of variation (the stroke) between
minimum and maximum of the difference signal 213, i.e.,
max(Phi1'-Phi2')-min(Phi1'-Phi2'). From FIG. 15 it is apparent that
the stroke depends on the distance 151 between the magnetic angle
sensors 101, 102. Because of this, it can be generally preferable
to implement comparably large distances 151.
FIG. 15 illustrates aspects with respect to the determining of the
relative positioning 109. In FIG. 15, the magnetic angle sensors
101, 102 have a distance 151 amounting to 90.degree. with respect
to each other (see FIG. 10). The dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1,
152-2 amount to 3.5 mm.
In FIG. 15, the first signal 201 and the second signal 202 are
plotted (right-hand side axis) as measured by the magnetic angle
sensors 101, 102 for different relative positions 109. Based on the
first signal 201 and the second signal 202, the difference signal
203 may be determined. The difference signal 203 is indicative of
the difference between the angles of the stray magnetic field 113
at the positions of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102. It is
possible to conclude on the relative positioning 109 based on the
difference signal 203, e.g., based on a lookup table.
From FIG. 15 it is apparent that the dependency of the difference
signal 203 on the relative positioning 109 does not have a one-fold
ambiguity, i.e., is not unambiguously defined. In particular, the
dependency of the difference signal 203 on the relative positioning
109 shows a two-fold ambiguity. It is possible to discriminate
between the two alternative possibilities for the relative
positioning 109 by taking into account that Phi1' is an odd
function with respect to Phi=90.degree.. If, e.g., one obtains
Phi1'-Phi2'=360.degree. for the difference signal, this corresponds
to the two Phi values: 71.75.degree. and 108.25.degree.. Both are
symmetrical with respect to 90.degree.. It is possible to
discriminate between these two values by considering Phi1'. This is
the case because Phi1' is an odd function with respect to
Phi=90.degree.. I.e., in the present case: Phi1'=28.4.degree. for
Phi=71.75.degree. and Phi1'=331.5.degree. for Phi=108.25.degree..
Thereby, it is possible to discriminate between the two relative
positionings 109.
FIG. 16 is a blow-up of a detail of FIG. 15. From FIG. 16 it is
apparent that for certain relative positionings 109 (illustrated by
the vertical arrows in FIG. 16) the two-fold ambiguity as described
above cannot be resolved unambiguously in the same manner as
explained above. Phi1'-Phi2'=338.degree. holds true for the
relative positionings 109 at Phi=45.degree. and Phi=135.degree.:
both times, phi1=315.degree.. A respective situation occurs with
the relative positionings 109 at phi=3.degree. and phi=177.degree..
In the range of 0.degree. <phi<180.degree., additionally, the
same number of corresponding situations is present.
To resolve this two-fold ambiguity, different techniques are
conceivable. E.g., it would be possible to take into account a
short-time trend of the signals 201, 202 in order to substantiate
certain values. It would also be possible to provide a third
magnetic angle sensor which is positioned remotely from the
magnetic angle sensors 201, 202. It would be possible that this
third magnetic angle sensor is used for resolving the two-fold
ambiguity as described above. E.g., the third magnetic angle sensor
could have the same distance from the first magnetic angle sensor
101 as from the second magnetic angle sensor 102. E.g., the third
magnetic angle sensor could have a distance of 90.degree. from the
second magnetic angle sensor 102; the second magnetic angle sensor
102 could, in turn, have a distance 151 of 90.degree. from the
first magnetic angle sensor 101. Then, it is possible that the
difference signals from pairs of those sensors are superimposed,
e.g., phi3'-phi2' and phi2'-phi1'. Both curves are typically
identical, but shifted with respect to each other. This shift can
be used in order to resolve the two-fold ambiguity.
FIG. 17 illustrates a further implementation of the device 100. In
the example of FIG. 17, the poles 121-129 show monotonically
increasing dimensions along the entire length of the path 181.
I.e., the periodicity 115 monotonically increases along the entire
length of the path 181. Starting at the pole 121, proceeding
counterclockwise, the size of the poles is: 17.degree.; Pole 122:
17,3187.degree.; 17,6434.degree.; 17,9742.degree.; 18,3111.degree.;
18,6544.degree.; 19,0042.degree.; 19,3604.degree.; 19,7234.degree.;
20,0932.degree.; 20,4699.degree.; 20,8536.degree.; 21,2446.degree.;
21,6429.degree.; 22,0486.degree.; 22,4620.degree.; Pole 128:
22,8831.degree.; Pole 129: 23,3121.degree..
FIG. 18 illustrates the first signal 201 (full line) and the second
signal 202 (dashed line), as well as the difference signal 203
(dashed-dotted line) for the example of FIG. 17. In FIG. 18, the
distance 151 of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 amounts to
41.degree.. The dimensions of the gaps 152, 152-1, 152-2 amount to
2 mm.
From FIG. 18 it is apparent that the curve of the difference signal
203 shows a slope with positive inclinations in a larger range of
relative positionings 109 if compared to the range of relative
positionings 109 having a slope with negative inclinations. In such
a case it would be possible to restrict operation of the device 100
to the range of a slope with positive inclinations, thereby
avoiding a two-fold ambiguity of the dependency of the difference
signal 203 on the relative positioning 109.
In further examples it would also be possible to use a plurality of
magnetic materials along different paths 181 to resolve the
two-fold ambiguity. E.g., it would be possible to use two multipole
rings which are rotated by 180.degree. with respect to each other.
Then, the first revolution could be measured by means of the first
multipole ring and a second revolution could be measured by means
of the second multipole ring. The two multipole rings should have a
sufficient distance with respect to each other in order to avoid
interference between the stray magnetic fields.
FIG. 19A illustrates aspects with respect to a device 100 which
comprises the first magnetic angle sensor 101, the second magnetic
angle sensor 102, and the material 111. From FIG. 19A it is
apparent that an evaluation unit 177 is configured to receive the
first signal 201 from the first magnetic angle sensor 101 and to
receive the second signal 202 from the second magnetic angle sensor
102. The evaluation unit 177 can then be configured to determine
the relative positioning 109 of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102
with respect to the material 111 based on the first signal 201 and
based on the second signal 202. It can be advantageous to input two
signals from magnetic angle sensor 101 and two signals from
magnetic angle sensor 102 to the evaluation unit 177, respectively.
E.g., magnetic angle sensor 101 can provide a cosine signal and a
sine signal to the evaluation unit 177 such that the magnetic angle
sensor 101 is not required to calculate the angle arctan2 (cosine
signal, sine signal); thereby, calculation time and power
consumption are reduced.
In the example of FIG. 19A, the evaluation unit 177 and the
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 are mounted to a frame 179 which is
formed as a static device/stator. The relative positioning 109 is
thus achieved by moving the material 111 along the path 181. In
other examples it would also be possible that a synchronized
movement of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 occurs along the
path 182, alternatively or additionally to a movement of the
material 111.
FIG. 19B illustrates the assembly of the magnetic angle sensors
101, 102 on a semiconductor substrate 194 which, in turn, is
mounted on a leadframe 197 which provides, e.g., thermal coupling
to a PCB board 198. The semiconductor chip 100 is placed within a
housing 195 which can be fabricated, e.g., by overmolding. A die
paddle 196 provides a coupling with bond wires 199 and connects the
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 with the PCB board 198. The entire
PCB board 198, in turn, is positioned within an outer housing
forming the part 193A.
In the example of FIG. 19B, the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 are
positioned on the same semiconductor substrate 194 and, therefore,
within the same housing 195. Additionally, the magnetic angle
sensors 101, 102 are provided on the same PCB board 198. In various
examples it would also be possible that the magnetic angle sensors
101, 102 are provided on different semiconductor substrates 197
(i.e., on different chips) and/or different PCB boards 198 and/or
in different housings 195, 193A.
By using a single housing 193A, 195, a simple and
installation-space efficient implementation can be achieved. When
using separate housings 193A, 195, a larger distance 151 between
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102, and thereby a smoother difference
signal 203, can be provided (cf. FIGS. 8-13). Corresponding
considerations apply to the use of separated or shared substrates
194, 197, 198.
E.g., the distance 151 between the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102
can be in the range of 1 to 3 millimeters. If a large die paddle
197 is used, e.g., distances 151 of up to 50 millimeters with one
and the same housing 195 and different substrates 194, 197 can be
achieved.
Summarizing, above techniques have been described which enable to
implement a magnetic position sensor at a high accuracy and using
limited complexity of the employed hardware.
The various techniques have been discussed with respect to specific
examples which are, however, not limiting. E.g., the various
examples can show different dependencies of the periodicity 115 on
the position along the path 181, see FIG. 20.
FIG. 20 illustrates aspects with respect to the variation of the
periodicity 115. In FIG. 20, for example dependencies of the
periodicity 115 on the position along the path 181 are illustrated
(full line; dashed line; dotted line; dotted-dashed line). From
FIG. 20 it is apparent that in various examples it is possible that
the periodicity 115 monotonically increases or decreases along the
entire path 181, i.e., between a starting point and an end point of
the path 181. It would also be possible, however, that the
periodicity 115 has the same sign of inclination only in specific
parts of the path 181 (dotted line in FIG. 20).
From FIG. 20 it is also apparent that the periodicity 115 in the
area of the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 can vary for different
relative positionings 109. This is because the movement can occur
along the path 181.
In FIG. 20, the dependency of the periodicity 115 on the position
along the path 181 is qualitatively illustrated. In quantitative
terms, a variation in the periodicity 115 along the path 181 by a
factor of 1.05-3 can be preferable. It is thus possible that the
ratio between the maximum 115A of the periodicity 115 at the
minimum 115B of the periodicity 115 is in the range of 1.05-3.
Thereby, a good trade-off between a large amplitude of the
difference signal 203 on the one hand side and a limited variation
of the amplitude of the stray magnetic field 113 on the other hand
side can be achieved. Thereby, the relative positioning 109 can be
determined at a high accuracy.
Various examples as described above have been discussed with
respect to scenarios where the dimensions of the gaps 152-1, 152-2
between the material 111 and the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102
remain constant for movement and for different relative
positionings 109. It is also possible that the dimensions of the
gaps 152-1, 152-2 show a dependency on the relative positioning
109. Such a scenario is illustrated in FIG. 21.
In FIG. 21, a scenario is disclosed in which the dimension of the
respective gap 152-1, 152-2 correlates with the periodicity 115 of
the magnetization 112 in the respectively neighboring area of the
material 111.
While above various examples have been described in which the
dimension of the respective gap 152-1, 152-2 between the material
111 and the magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 are the same, it is,
however, also possible that the gaps have different dimensions
152-1, 152-2. Because the signals 201, 202 are indicative of the
orientation of the stray magnetic field 113, It is also possible to
determine the relative positioning 109 for such scenarios. A
potentially deviating amplitude can be compensated.
In FIG. 21, the dimension of the gaps 152-1, 152-2 is qualitatively
shown with respect to the periodicity 115. Quantitatively, the
dimension of the gaps 152-1, 152-2 and the periodicity 115 may be
of same order of magnitude. E.g., the first gap 152-1 and/or the
second gap 152-2 may have dimensions in the order of the average
115C of the periodicity 115, multiplied by a factor of 0.1 to 2. By
means of such a dimensioning, on the one hand side, a sufficiently
large amplitude of the stray magnetic field 113 can be achieved;
thereby, a good signal-to-noise-ratio can be ensured. On the other
hand, non-harmonic contributions to the spatial dependency of the
stray magnetic field--cf. FIGS. 8-13--can be reduced. Thereby, a
particularly high accuracy when determining the relative
positioning 109 may be achieved.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method according to various
embodiments. First, at 1001, the first signal 201 is received from
the first magnetic angle sensor 101. The first signal 201 is
indicative of the first angle of the stray magnetic field 113 at
the position of the first magnetic angle sensor 101.
Then, at 1002, the second signal 202 is received from the second
magnetic angle sensor 102. The second signal 202 is indicative of
the second angle of the stray magnetic field 113 at the position of
the second magnetic angle sensor 102.
At 1003, the relative positioning 109 is determined based on the
first signal 201 and based on the second signal 202. E.g., at 1003,
the difference signal 203 between the first signal 201 and the
second signal 202 may be determined by subtraction. E.g., at 1003,
a lookup table can be used to determine the relative positioning
109 based on the difference signal 203.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method according to various
embodiments. First, at 1011, a permanent magnetic material 111 is
moved into a measurement position. The measurement position can
correspond to a specific relative positioning 109 between the
magnetic angle sensors 101, 102 and the material 111. At 1012, the
stray magnetic field 113 is created.
At 1013, at least one first signal is measured which is indicative
of the first angle the stray magnetic field 113 at a first
position. For this, it is possible to use the first magnetic angle
sensor 101. At 1014, the second angle of the stray magnetic field
113 is measured at a second position which is positioned remotely
from the first position. E.g., the second angle of the stray
magnetic field 113 can be measured by the second magnetic angle
sensor 102 based on at least a second signal.
At 1015, determining of the measurement position based on the first
angle and the second angle is performed.
Various features of the embodiments and aspects of the disclosure
described above can be combined with each other. In particular,
features cannot only be used in the explicitly identified
combination, but also in other combinations or used in isolation
without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *